A Teacher Recently Retired At Age 63

  For many years we have enabled people of all ages to get started on the path to a new career as an English language teacher. As long as you are open to new ideas and keen to work in a classroom environment, your age should not be an issue.  [Read more]

Although TEFL qualified teachers are able to find work in a wide range of countries throughout Asia, there are some restrictions that you need to be aware of before you decide on a destination. In some countries a 4-year university degree is necessary and some will only allow native English speakers to teach in their schools. Another issue that is worth considering is your age as it can be a factor in some situations in Asia. In some Asian countries there is a strict retirement age for local teachers that also applies to foreign EFL teachers working there. In popular teaching destinations such as China, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea, schools are unable to sponsor work visas for foreign teachers who exceed the local retirement age. This can range from 55 to 65, so you should contact...  [Read more]

While teaching English abroad you are unlikely to face any type of discrimination from fellow teachers as most are like-minded people who are easy-going and accepting of the world in all its diversity. However, it can be a different story when it comes to employers. In some parts of the world, including some of the most popular teaching destinations, traditional, conservative views and opinions are still commonplace and this can lead to some uncomfortable situations. Many people still have the mistaken belief that all you need to teach English is to be a native English speaker and those that aren’t will never be as good at it. However, this view on teaching couldn’t be more wrong. To be an effective TEFL teacher you need to have a solid understanding of the workings of the language...  [Read more]

Teaching English abroad can be a rewarding experience for retirees looking to share their knowledge and skills while immersing themselves in a new culture. Many countries welcome older individuals as English teachers due to their life experience, maturity, and dedication. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind before embarking on this journey. First and foremost, it's essential to check the visa requirements in the country where you wish to teach. Some countries may have age restrictions or specific visa regulations for retirees. It's crucial to ensure that you meet all the necessary criteria before making any commitments. Additionally, consider your physical and mental readiness for the demands of teaching. Teaching English as a foreign language can be challenging,...  [Read more]

If you are over 50 and looking to liven things up and add a bit of adventure into your life, teaching English abroad could be the perfect answer. For many people turning 50 can be a time to really consider your place in the world and plenty of people decide that hitting the road is the way to go. Sure, you can quit your job and jump on a plane to explore the world, but how about earning some money while doing it and even making a positive change to other peoples lives at the same time? The short and simple answer to this common question is YES, there is very little stopping almost anyone of any age from teaching English overseas. Although it is true that most government-run teaching programs such as those found in Japan, South Korea, France, and Spain, have an age limit that restricts...  [Read more]

  Is a lack of teaching experience or relevant qualifications holding you back from starting a new career as an EFL teacher, or are you worried that you might be too old to find employment? Well, don’t be. As the demand for new teachers is so strong in many parts of the world, there are plenty of jobs available no matter what your age or background. Previous teaching experience is rarely a requirement for the majority of positions. The truth is that the vast majority of people currently teaching English around the world had no experience of teaching before they landed their current role. Academic qualifications are also not necessary in many cases. Teaching jobs in some countries are restricted to degree holders only, but there are many others without any such regulations. Age is...  [Read more]

  Two former trainees talk about their experiences during their TEFL course in Corinth Greece in this TEFL review video. If you are a person of a mature age or a senior citizen, do not be put you off from doing one of our courses. ITTT welcomes all applications regardless of age, gender or nationality. You just need to be committed to applying yourself to our demanding course. We at ITTT are committed to doing everything we can in assisting trainees to successfully complete the course and to promptly acquire a teaching job abroad. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient,...  [Read more]

To teach English abroad all you truly need is a strong desire to embark on a new adventure and a teaching qualification that demonstrates to potential employers that you have received some level of teacher training. In this context, the internationally recognized qualification is a TEFL certificate, and these courses typically have minimal entry requirements. Having a strong level of English comprehension is the most fundamental requirement for enrolling in a TEFL certification course. Non-native English speakers are just as welcome as native speakers, provided they possess a solid understanding of written and spoken English. The demand for EFL teachers worldwide is immense, and there is frequently a shortage of qualified teachers in numerous regions. Thanks to this robust...  [Read more]

As Chile is one of the most stable and prosperous countries in Latin America, it has long been a popular destination for ESL teachers. Jobs can be found in advance via online job boards or by interviewing in person from within the country. Alternatively, you can take advantage of the popular English Opens Doors Program (EODP) that places foreign teachers into schools across Chile on a volunteer basis. Participants on the scheme work as teaching assistants with the aim of improving the English language skills of children ranging from 10 to 18 years old. The EODP is a highly respected program that is sponsored by the Chilean Ministry of Education and the United Nations Development Program. The program is open to native or near-native English speakers between the ages of 21 and 35...  [Read more]

  The trainees who complete an ITTT course come from a wide variety of backgrounds, age groups and countries. Ages range from 18 to people in their sixties and occasionally even older. Some have come straight from school, college or university. Others can be teachers who want to update their teaching credentials and then there are people from other professional and non professional backgrounds. We accept trainees who are native English speakers as well as fluent non native English speakers. We do not require trainees to have any previous teacher training experience. Our courses will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to begin your career as a qualified English language teacher. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their...  [Read more]

The NET (Native-speaking English Teachers) Scheme is a recruitment program initiated by the Hong Kong Education Bureau that places qualified teachers from overseas countries into state run schools. The scheme recruits hundreds of teachers every year to work in either primary or secondary level schools across the territory. The stated goal of the scheme is to share and promote innovation in teaching practice, and to provide an authentic classroom environment for local students. Participants on the scheme will receive a generous salary and extra benefits, as well as a unique opportunity to live and work in one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan parts of Asia. To be eligible, you must be a native-English speaker or possess an exceptionally high standard of English language competence....  [Read more]

  Star is a college teacher from the United States. She recently decided to take the 120-hour TEFL/TESOL course from ITTT to be able to live and work abroad as an English teacher. She enjoyed taking the course and learned a lot. Check out her TEFL review video to hear more about why she recommends this course to others.  [Read more]

Around the world there are always a huge number of EFL teaching jobs waiting to be filled which means there are potential opportunities for almost everyone. So what qualifications, background or characteristics do you require to take a TEFL course? First and foremost, anyone thinking about earning their TEFL certification with ITTT needs to be enthusiastic, motivated and determined as every course requires a considerable amount of commitment in terms of both time and effort. If you are fully committed to becoming an English language teacher, either at home or abroad, then you should have little trouble successfully completing the course and becoming a qualified EFL teacher. In order to be an effective English language teacher you do need to have a thorough understanding of the...  [Read more]

The age, background, and motivation of the students in your ESL classroom will vary greatly depending on where you are teaching and the school or institute you work for. You could have a class full of university students, hotel workers or even high flying business executives. Alternatively, you might work in a government school teaching a class of children aged anywhere from five to sixteen. Each of these groups has its own characteristics, and different teachers have their own preferences. Just remember that by completing a reputable TEFL certification course before you head off abroad, you will learn all the skills required to deliver effective and enjoyable lessons to almost any group of learners. A large percentage of teachers working in ESL classrooms overseas will find their...  [Read more]

  Ema is from Slovenia and has recently finished the 120-hour course with ITTT. In this TEFL review video, Ema discusses how the course did a good job of combining the practical and theoretical side of English language teaching. Ema points out that teaching English requires the teacher to put a lot of their own work into the job and recommends this course as a good starting point. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. This unit is a very good...  [Read more]

Almost anyone who has the desire to teach English abroad can make their dream come true. Although you will find some restrictions regarding teaching experience and academic qualifications in some countries, there are plenty of great destinations around the world where a TEFL certificate is all that is required. Whatever your background, work history, or age, there is the perfect teaching job waiting for you somewhere in the world. Yes, you can start a new career teaching English abroad without any form of teaching experience. Due to a huge demand for English language teachers in countries all over the world, tens of thousands of English speakers head overseas every year to work in a variety of different classrooms. Of this number, approximately 90% will have never worked in any kind of...  [Read more]

If you want to have a job in place and all the paperwork sorted out before you leave your home country, a TEFL placement program is certainly worth considering. Several countries across Europe and Asia have government run schemes that recruit foreign teachers to work in their public school system. The following options are long established and respected programs that offer a great opportunity to live and work in some of the most popular teaching destinations. The TAPIF Program, short for Teaching Assistant Program in France, is a government initiative that places applicants into French state schools to work as teaching assistants. The program provides a great opportunity to live and work in a country where long-stay visas can be difficult to secure for non-EU citizens. For those who...  [Read more]

TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) and TEYL (Teaching English to Young Learners) courses are both specialized training programs for educators who want to teach English to non-native speakers, but they cater to different teaching contexts and student demographics. Understanding the differences between these two types of courses is essential for educators to choose the right program that aligns with their career goals and teaching preferences. TEFL courses are designed for teachers who want to teach English to non-native speakers of all ages in a variety of settings, such as language schools, private tutoring, or corporate training. These courses cover a wide range of teaching methodologies, language skills, and classroom management techniques that are relevant to adult learners....  [Read more]

There are numerous companies that hire TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) teachers to work online. These companies provide opportunities for educators to teach English to students around the world, offering flexibility and the chance to work from home. Here are some of the top companies that frequently hire TEFL teachers for online positions: 1. **VIPKID**: VIPKID is a well-known online English education platform that connects North American teachers with students in China. They offer one-on-one lessons to children aged 4-12 and provide a flexible schedule for teachers. 2. **Qkids**: Qkids is another popular platform that hires teachers to teach English to Chinese students. They focus on interactive lessons for children aged 4-12 and provide all the teaching materials needed. 3....  [Read more]

  Shaina is from Canada but working as an assistant language teacher with the JET program in Okinawa, Japan. She recently completed the 120-hour TEFL/TESOL course with ITTT and found it extremely useful. She learned new warm-up techniques, as well as how to structure lesson plans better. She feels that she is now a better teacher and resource for her students in Japan.  [Read more]

  Hanaya has recently completed our 120-hour online TEFL course to be able to open her own English language school in her hometown in China. She recommends the course to anyone wanting to work as an English teacher around the world.  [Read more]

The good news is there is no real age restrictions on who can take a TEFL course and then go on to teach English abroad. At ITTT we do require you to be at least 18 years old to enroll on our courses but there are certainly no upper age limits. Over the years we have successfully trained people of all ages, many of whom have gone on to have successful careers as English language teachers. As long as you are a native or near-native English speaker who is keen to learn new skills and is open to new ideas, then your age should be no barrier to your success. Although a large number of new TEFL graduates are in their 20s, it doesn't mean they are always the most sought after by employers. Yes, there are many employers around the world who are only interested in recruiting younger teachers...  [Read more]

  In this TESOL review video Guilherme speaks about his experience with ITTT. He recently took our 120-hour TESOL course with videos and tutor support to become an English teacher in Japan. He enjoyed the course and also thought that the tutor support was very helpful for completing the course.  [Read more]

  Nelson is an online English teacher and he recently took an online TEFL course with ITTT. He feels like this course truly helped him and prepared him for what lied ahead in his online teaching career. He recommends this course to anyone interested in teaching English online or in a classroom abroad.  [Read more]

  This video covers the difference between 'defuse' and 'diffuse'. Their similar spelling and pronunciation make them a word pair that is often confused. The word 'defuse' refers to the action of making a situation less harmful or tense, whereas 'diffuse' means to spread over a wide area. Watch the video for detailed examples on the two words. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. This unit shows how important is it to know how to teach a new...  [Read more]

  "In this video, our OTP trainee Richard introduces the topic of quantifiers to his students in Florida. After talking about quantifiers he uses an online game platform to start the activate phase with his students. ITTT's Observed Teaching Practice courses (OTP) are ideal for teachers wanting to improve their teaching skills remotely from anywhere in the world." Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. I have learned what makes a teacher to be a good...  [Read more]

  Mustafa is from Turkey and has been an English teacher for many years. He recently took the 120-hour online TEFL course with ITTT and shares his thoughts in this TEFL review video. He recommends this course to anyone interested in teaching English abroad.  [Read more]

In general, most schools and language centers will expect their job applicants to commit to contracts of between 10 and 12 months. However, if you are looking for a short term adventure during the summer break, there are a few options to explore. Although you might find some employers who will take on teachers without a long term contract, most short term opportunities are found in English summer camps or via a volunteer organization. English language camps are a popular fixture during the summer months in many countries across Asia, Europe and Latin America. These usually involve around one to two months work teaching English to young learners from primary age right through to university level, depending on the location. Although this type of work is only short term, it still provides...  [Read more]

Some people who go abroad to teach English fall in love with their new life overseas and never return to their home country. The majority, however, will return home at some point, whether after a single year or much longer. It can be a difficult experience for some because you are no longer the person you were when you first left home. Everything, from the everyday language to the time zone, the climate to the cuisine, can feel different. Reverse culture shock can be frightening. For many teachers the obvious next step is to continue working as an English language tutor. If you live in or near a relatively large city you are likely to come across language schools and community colleges that provide English lessons to international students, immigrants, and refugees, among others. With...  [Read more]

  The future perfect continuous is not used a lot in everyday English usage. However, it does come up in when your EFL students get more advanced and if you plan to teach English overseas it is important to have an understanding of the less frequently used tenses. As the future perfect continuous is not often used it can be a struggle to think up teaching ideas for it. The trainer in this video shows us one idea that can be used for the tense. For this activity the students conduct a survey to find out how long someone will have been doing something by a certain point in the future. For example: Student A: How long will you have been learning English by the end of next month? Student B: I will have been learning English for three years. To find a course that will help you to...  [Read more]